"If Jesus is present, there no longer exists
any time without meaning and empty […] If He is present, we can continue to
hope even when others can no longer assure us of support, even when the present
becomes difficult."
- Pope Benedict XVI -
This has been a rather unique
Advent season for the Chehade' household. Not only is it our first Christmas together as a married couple, but we also have the tremendous joy of having the season guided by the growing presence of our LITTLE BABY!!! For me personally, this is also the first time where I haven't had to meet
deadlines, prepare for meetings, or work late hours for school or work
responsibilities. Months ago I may have imagined life to gain a greater sense of freedom, rest, and quiet through the act of withholding those main ties. But like any other time- life has continued to walk that balance of responsibility and joy. hahaha, I guess no matter how we may imagine it- life will never be void of these two things. :-)
I finally begun to gain strength and am really thankful for being able to eat at most meals. I think back to the days where the smallest smell or movement would trigger some unpleasant symptom. The main thing which helped me get through those months was being reminded of those in our little family. Doctor's appointments, things I'd read, and simply praying and talking to the baby helped remind me that even though I was feeling defeated the baby was growing and gaining strength each day. Little acts of love that Karim would share became glimpses of the amazing father that he already was. Interesting how all of these “little” things transformed the “big” things of not being able to eat, socialize much, or even walk around into such small and insignificant things (Not to say that I never complained, I know I'm helping Karim on his fast track to sainthood!!! hahaha). To me this aspect of pregnancy has served to amplify the message of Advent- where something so small, peaceful and humble transforms the whole world.
I finally begun to gain strength and am really thankful for being able to eat at most meals. I think back to the days where the smallest smell or movement would trigger some unpleasant symptom. The main thing which helped me get through those months was being reminded of those in our little family. Doctor's appointments, things I'd read, and simply praying and talking to the baby helped remind me that even though I was feeling defeated the baby was growing and gaining strength each day. Little acts of love that Karim would share became glimpses of the amazing father that he already was. Interesting how all of these “little” things transformed the “big” things of not being able to eat, socialize much, or even walk around into such small and insignificant things (Not to say that I never complained, I know I'm helping Karim on his fast track to sainthood!!! hahaha). To me this aspect of pregnancy has served to amplify the message of Advent- where something so small, peaceful and humble transforms the whole world.
"Advent is a time of the presence and the expectation in the eternal"
Last week I had the
opportunity to attend mass for the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It has
been one of my favorite feast days since I was a little girl and have always
looked forward to it (Back when I was a little girl the excitement of the day was more about getting to eat tamales!! hahaha). On the day of her feast, I woke up not feeling well but
decided to really make an effort to attend mass. I had so many excuses for not
following this desire but subsided them to offer the day for Baby Chehade’ and
Karim. The expression of prayer in those celebrating
the feast day was beautiful and I felt so blessed to start the day in the
Eucharist. As I began to reflect on Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is pregnant with
Jesus, I recognized that Advent isn’t just a time of ‘waiting’ for Jesus to arrive. Just like these
past months of feeling sick and facing new difficulties, I was never just ‘waiting’
for that moment when our little Baby Chehade’ is to be born. Both Karim and I have experienced truly poignant moments with the baby because he/she is already with us-
teaching us to love. Even though we have those expectations of how beautiful it
will be to interact with the baby in new ways, the ability to cherish these
moments of stillness and loving someone with a special type of 'hidden presence' is something irreplaceable. What a treasure it is to know
that in the period of Advent- every moment is in a sense ‘pregnant’ with the
presence of God: that unconditional, trusting, all-encompassing love which
transforms all things.
Wishing everyone a most
beautiful Christmas!!
All my love,
Teresita & Baby Chehade’
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